Four years ago, the Tana Bhagats built a memorial on the McCluskieganj-Chandwa road to commemorate their forefathers’ contribution to the freedom struggle.
But the tribals are still struggling to complete beautification and development of the area for lack of funds and infrastructure.
The memorial, some 70 km from Ranchi, comprises statues of nine followers of Mahatma Gandhi who fought tooth and nail against the colonial rulers through non-violent means.
Set in the midst of picturesque hillocks and dense forests, a welcome gate greets visitors from the McCluskieganj end, but the one from Chandwa end is still incomplete.
Former Latehar MLA Prakash Ram had extended some financial aid, but the memorial still lacks lighting and an overhead shelter. The tribals are now running from pillar to post to ensure such basic amenities.
The Tana Bhagat Movement of 1914-20 saw the Oraon people of Chhotanagpur oppose the taxes imposed on them by the British and the exploitation by local zamindars. Most of their land was auctioned off by the colonial rulers due to their inability to pay the hefty levy.
Today, their main demands from the administration remain getting back their ancestral lands, better education, healthcare and employment.
“In 1947, a law was enacted for the restoration of lands of Tana Bhagats. But most of the land records have gone missing,” said noted anthropologist Vijaypani Pandey. “In 2017, the Jharkhand government formed the Tana Bhagat Development Authority. A committee headed by the state chief secretary is handling affairs, but they still have a long way to go.”
As of now, the Tana Bhagats must make do with the resources available to them. They send their children to schools diligently — drawn by the mid-day meals — and themselves work the fields. However, some from the community have managed gainful employment after an adequate education.
Pandey, who is also author of ‘Chhotanagpur Ke Tana Bhagat,’ explains how the Tana Bhagats are a distinct sect of the Oraon. Their total population is 22,312, according to official records. They are settled in 35 blocks of Ranchi, Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga, Chatra, Palamau, Khunti and Simdega districts.
The peace-loving community is strictly vegetarian and abstains from any alcohol consumption.
